World Series teed up: Phillies face Astros this Friday
Yordan Alvarez and Alex Bregman delivered big hits and the Houston Astros advanced to the World Series again, finishing a four-game sweep of New York in the AL Championship Series with a 6-5 victory Sunday night aided by another defensive gaffe from the Yankees.
Taking advantage of a costly error by second baseman Gleyber Torres to produce the go-ahead rally in the seventh inning, the Astros won their second consecutive pennant and fourth in six years.
Houston will open the World Series at home Friday night against Bryce Harper and the wild-card Philadelphia Phillies, who beat San Diego earlier in the day to close out the best-of-seven NLCS in five games.
It was the first time both pennants were decided on the same day since 1992.
Houston’s 2017 title was tainted by a cheating scandal.
With the playoffs expanded to 12 teams this year, the Phillies became the first third-place squad in baseball history to reach the World Series.
Philadelphia went 87-75 during the regular season — Bregman and the Astros finished 106-56 under manager Dusty Baker, seven games better than any other American League team.
Meanwhile, Aaron Judge’s future is uncertain. Judge’s career in pinstripes might have ended when he made the final out in Sunday night’s 6-5 loss to the Houston Astros, who completed a four-game AL Championship Series sweep as the Yankees unraveled with yet another defensive meltdown.
Judge turned down a seven-year contract that would have paid $213.5 million from 2023-29, choosing instead to remain eligible for free agency after the World Series.
Without a World Series title since 2009, New York heads into an offseason in which pitcher Jameson Taillon, outfielder Andrew Benintendi and utilitymen Matt Carpenter and Marwin Gonzalez are eligible for free agency along with relievers Chad Green, Miguel Castro, Zack Britton and Aroldis Chapman.
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World Series teed up: Phillies face Astros this FridayJohn Minchillo
Houston Astros' Yuli Gurriel reacts as he slides home safely to score against the New York Yankees during the sixth inning of Game 3 of an American League Championship baseball series, Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
John MinchilloHouston Astros' Yuli Gurriel reacts as he slides home safely to score against the New York Yankees during the sixth inning of Game 3 of an American League Championship baseball series, Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
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World Series teed up: Phillies face Astros this FridayJohn Minchillo
New York Yankees center fielder Harrison Bader drops a fly ball hit by Houston Astros Christian Vasquez as he avoids right fielder Aaron Judge (99) during the second inning of Game 3 of an American League Championship baseball series, Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
John MinchilloNew York Yankees center fielder Harrison Bader drops a fly ball hit by Houston Astros Christian Vasquez as he avoids right fielder Aaron Judge (99) during the second inning of Game 3 of an American League Championship baseball series, Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
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World Series teed up: Phillies face Astros this FridayJohn Minchillo - staff, AP
New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) dodges a pitch during the second inning of Game 4 of an American League Championship baseball series against the Houston Astros, Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022, in New York.
John Minchillo - staff, APNew York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) dodges a pitch during the second inning of Game 4 of an American League Championship baseball series against the Houston Astros, Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022, in New York.
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World Series teed up: Phillies face Astros this FridaySeth Wenig - staff, AP
New York Yankees shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa can't get a glove on the ball on a throwing error by second baseman Gleyber Torres while trying to turn a double play against the Houston Astros during the seventh inning of Game 4 of an American League Championship baseball series, Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022, in New York. Houston Astros Jose Altuve reached second base safely on the play.
Seth Wenig - staff, APNew York Yankees shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa can't get a glove on the ball on a throwing error by second baseman Gleyber Torres while trying to turn a double play against the Houston Astros during the seventh inning of Game 4 of an American League Championship baseball series, Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022, in New York. Houston Astros Jose Altuve reached second base safely on the play.
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World Series teed up: Phillies face Astros this FridayJohn Minchillo - staff, AP
Houston Astros Yordan Alvarez follows through on an RBI base hit to score the tying run against the New York Yankees during the seventh inning of Game 4 of an American League Championship baseball series, Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022, in New York.
John Minchillo - staff, APHouston Astros Yordan Alvarez follows through on an RBI base hit to score the tying run against the New York Yankees during the seventh inning of Game 4 of an American League Championship baseball series, Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022, in New York.
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World Series teed up: Phillies face Astros this FridayJohn Minchillo - staff, AP
Houston Astros Jose Altuve (27) scores on a base hit by Yordan Alvarez against the New York Yankees during the seventh inning of Game 4 of an American League Championship baseball series, Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022, in New York.
John Minchillo - staff, APHouston Astros Jose Altuve (27) scores on a base hit by Yordan Alvarez against the New York Yankees during the seventh inning of Game 4 of an American League Championship baseball series, Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022, in New York.
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World Series teed up: Phillies face Astros this FridayJohn Minchillo - staff, AP
Houston Astros Jeremy Pena (3) reacts after scoring on a base hit by Alex Bregman against the New York Yankees during the seventh inning of Game 4 of an American League Championship baseball series, Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022, in New York.
John Minchillo - staff, APHouston Astros Jeremy Pena (3) reacts after scoring on a base hit by Alex Bregman against the New York Yankees during the seventh inning of Game 4 of an American League Championship baseball series, Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022, in New York.
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World Series teed up: Phillies face Astros this FridayJohn Minchillo - staff, AP
Houston Astros Alex Bregman (2) follows through on a base hit to drive in a run against the New York Yankees during the seventh inning of Game 4 of an American League Championship baseball series, Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022, in New York.
John Minchillo - staff, APHouston Astros Alex Bregman (2) follows through on a base hit to drive in a run against the New York Yankees during the seventh inning of Game 4 of an American League Championship baseball series, Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022, in New York.
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World Series teed up: Phillies face Astros this FridaySeth Wenig - staff, AP
Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker Jr. watches play from the dugout against the New York Yankees during the fifth inning of Game 3 of an American League Championship baseball series, Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, in New York.
Seth Wenig - staff, APHouston Astros manager Dusty Baker Jr. watches play from the dugout against the New York Yankees during the fifth inning of Game 3 of an American League Championship baseball series, Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, in New York.
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World Series teed up: Phillies face Astros this FridayJohn Minchillo - staff, AP
Houston Astros right fielder Kyle Tucker (30), third baseman Alex Bregman (2) and center fielder Mauricio Dubon (14) celebrate after the Astros defeated the New York Yankees 5-0 in Game 3 of an American League Championship baseball series, Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, in New York.
John Minchillo - staff, APHouston Astros right fielder Kyle Tucker (30), third baseman Alex Bregman (2) and center fielder Mauricio Dubon (14) celebrate after the Astros defeated the New York Yankees 5-0 in Game 3 of an American League Championship baseball series, Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, in New York.
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World Series teed up: Phillies face Astros this FridayJohn Minchillo - staff, AP
New York Yankees Aaron Judge reacts after striking out against the Houston Astros during the fourth inning of Game 3 of an American League Championship baseball series, Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, in New York.
John Minchillo - staff, APNew York Yankees Aaron Judge reacts after striking out against the Houston Astros during the fourth inning of Game 3 of an American League Championship baseball series, Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, in New York.
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World Series teed up: Phillies face Astros this FridayEric Gay
New York Yankees Aaron Judge takes a moment in center field ahead of Game 2 of baseball's American League Championship Series between the Houston Astros and the New York Yankees, Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Eric GayNew York Yankees Aaron Judge takes a moment in center field ahead of Game 2 of baseball's American League Championship Series between the Houston Astros and the New York Yankees, Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
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World Series teed up: Phillies face Astros this FridayEric Gay
Houston Astros relief pitcher Bryan Abreu (52) reacts after a strike out during the eighth inning in Game 2 of baseball's American League Championship Series, Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Eric GayHouston Astros relief pitcher Bryan Abreu (52) reacts after a strike out during the eighth inning in Game 2 of baseball's American League Championship Series, Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
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World Series teed up: Phillies face Astros this FridayMatt Slocum - staff, AP
Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Bryce Harper celebrates with the trophy after winning the baseball NL Championship Series in Game 5 against the San Diego Padres on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022, in Philadelphia.
Matt Slocum - staff, APPhiladelphia Phillies designated hitter Bryce Harper celebrates with the trophy after winning the baseball NL Championship Series in Game 5 against the San Diego Padres on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022, in Philadelphia.
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World Series teed up: Phillies face Astros this FridayMatt Slocum - staff, AP
Philadelphia Phillies' Bryce Harper rounds the bases after a two-run home run during the eighth inning in Game 5 of the baseball NL Championship Series between the San Diego Padres and the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022, in Philadelphia.
Matt Slocum - staff, APPhiladelphia Phillies' Bryce Harper rounds the bases after a two-run home run during the eighth inning in Game 5 of the baseball NL Championship Series between the San Diego Padres and the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022, in Philadelphia.
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World Series teed up: Phillies face Astros this FridayMatt Rourke
Philadelphia Phillies' Bryce Harper hits a two-run home run during the eighth inning in Game 5 of the baseball NL Championship Series between the San Diego Padres and the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Matt RourkePhiladelphia Phillies' Bryce Harper hits a two-run home run during the eighth inning in Game 5 of the baseball NL Championship Series between the San Diego Padres and the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
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World Series teed up: Phillies face Astros this FridayMatt Rourke
Philadelphia Phillies' Kyle Schwarber rounds the bases after a home run during the first inning in Game 3 of the baseball NL Championship Series between the San Diego Padres and the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday, Oct. 21, 2022, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Matt RourkePhiladelphia Phillies' Kyle Schwarber rounds the bases after a home run during the first inning in Game 3 of the baseball NL Championship Series between the San Diego Padres and the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday, Oct. 21, 2022, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
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World Series teed up: Phillies face Astros this FridayMatt Slocum - staff, AP
Philadelphia Phillies' Kyle Schwarber celebrates his home run during the sixth inning in Game 4 of the baseball NL Championship Series between the San Diego Padres and the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, in Philadelphia.
Matt Slocum - staff, APPhiladelphia Phillies' Kyle Schwarber celebrates his home run during the sixth inning in Game 4 of the baseball NL Championship Series between the San Diego Padres and the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, in Philadelphia.
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World Series teed up: Phillies face Astros this FridayMatt Rourke - staff, AP
Philadelphia Phillies' Bryce Harper celebrates after his RBI double during the fifth inning in Game 4 of the baseball NL Championship Series between the San Diego Padres and the Phillies on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, in Philadelphia.
Matt Rourke - staff, APPhiladelphia Phillies' Bryce Harper celebrates after his RBI double during the fifth inning in Game 4 of the baseball NL Championship Series between the San Diego Padres and the Phillies on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, in Philadelphia.
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World Series teed up: Phillies face Astros this FridayMatt Slocum - staff, AP
San Diego Padres second baseman Jake Cronenworth can't get a glove on a single by Philadelphia Phillies' Nick Castellanos during the fifth inning in Game 4 of the baseball NL Championship Series between the San Diego Padres and the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, in Philadelphia.
Matt Slocum - staff, APSan Diego Padres second baseman Jake Cronenworth can't get a glove on a single by Philadelphia Phillies' Nick Castellanos during the fifth inning in Game 4 of the baseball NL Championship Series between the San Diego Padres and the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, in Philadelphia.
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World Series teed up: Phillies face Astros this FridayMatt Slocum - staff, AP
San Diego Padres' Jurickson Profar reacts after striking out during the ninth inning in Game 3 of the baseball NL Championship Series between the San Diego Padres and the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday, Oct. 21, 2022, in Philadelphia.
Matt Slocum - staff, APSan Diego Padres' Jurickson Profar reacts after striking out during the ninth inning in Game 3 of the baseball NL Championship Series between the San Diego Padres and the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday, Oct. 21, 2022, in Philadelphia.
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World Series teed up: Phillies face Astros this FridayMatt Rourke - staff, AP
Philadelphia Phillies' Kyle Schwarber celebrates his home run during the first inning in Game 3 of the baseball NL Championship Series between the San Diego Padres and the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday, Oct. 21, 2022, in Philadelphia.
Matt Rourke - staff, APPhiladelphia Phillies' Kyle Schwarber celebrates his home run during the first inning in Game 3 of the baseball NL Championship Series between the San Diego Padres and the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday, Oct. 21, 2022, in Philadelphia.
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World Series teed up: Phillies face Astros this FridayMatt Slocum - staff, AP
Fans cheer during the first inning in Game 3 of the baseball NL Championship Series between the San Diego Padres and the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday, Oct. 21, 2022, in Philadelphia.
Matt Slocum - staff, APFans cheer during the first inning in Game 3 of the baseball NL Championship Series between the San Diego Padres and the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday, Oct. 21, 2022, in Philadelphia.
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World Series teed up: Phillies face Astros this FridayMatt Rourke - staff, AP
San Diego Padres starting pitcher Joe Musgrove warms up as he takes part in batting practice ahead of Game 3 of the baseball NL Championship Series against the Philadelphia Phillies, Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022, in Philadelphia.
Matt Rourke - staff, APSan Diego Padres starting pitcher Joe Musgrove warms up as he takes part in batting practice ahead of Game 3 of the baseball NL Championship Series against the Philadelphia Phillies, Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022, in Philadelphia.
